What kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.

— 2 Peter 3:11-12

Elisha and his servant were in big trouble. They were surrounded by a hostile army that had come to capture them. But Elisha was not afraid. God had provided a vast and powerful army of angels to protect them. This passage is just one example in the Bible where we see angels carrying out the will and command of God.

When Jesus teaches us to pray, “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10), he is calling us to be as faithful and willing to serve God as are the angels in heaven.

What is this service that God wants us to do? Peter reminds us to “live holy and godly lives.” James 1:27 teaches us to “look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep . . . from being polluted by the world.” The writer of Hebrews urges us to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds,” “show hospitality to strangers,” and “remember those in prison” (10:24; 13:1-3). (See also Matthew 25:31-40.)

God calls us to serve people both inside and outside the church. We are also called to share our faith with those who do not yet know him. God does not want anyone to perish; he wants all to come to faith in Christ!

God’s will is that our lives will be sacrifices of praise as we honor him with our lips and work to advance his kingdom. This is not easy! Thus we pray, “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”!

Spirit of God, fill me with your power to serve you all day, every day. May I live a life of praise and loving service. Amen.